Rural Transformation: ACReSAL’s Ambitious Plan to Revitalize Kano’s Environment

The Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL) initiative, spearheaded by Dr. Dahir Muhammad Hashim, is embarking on a formidable mission to plant over 10 million trees in Kano State over the next four years. This strategic endeavor is aimed at combating desertification, mitigating the effects of climate change, and promoting agro-climatic resilience in the region.

During a recent interview with a local radio station, Dr. Hashim outlined a meticulous plan to annually plant 2.5 million trees, with the initiative scheduled to commence this year. The project will involve collaboration with Civil Society Organizations and other agencies to adopt a comprehensive and inclusive approach, encompassing various geographical areas, including major metropolitan roads.

The primary objective of the initiative is not only to combat climate change but also to improve air quality, enhance soil fertility, and reduce evapotranspiration rates. Dr. Hashim emphasized the commitment of all stakeholders to surmount past challenges and achieve the established targets.

ACReSAL, a collaborative effort involving the World Bank, the Federal Government of Nigeria, and the governments of nineteen Northern states, is also addressing deforestation by providing fuel-efficient cooking stoves. Additionally, the initiative plans to designate specific woodlots to confine logging activities, thus preventing further environmental degradation.

Moreover, Dr. Hashim announced measures to bolster food production, including the construction of a mini dam in Yan Sabo, Tofa Local Government Area, expected to create opportunities for over two thousand farmers. The initiative is also actively addressing uncontrolled sand mining, a threat to lives and the environment, while simultaneously tackling factors contributing to flooding.

In an effort to sustain their initiatives, ACReSAL has procured cleaning and refuse evacuation tools, which will be distributed to self-help groups. These groups are expected to play a pivotal role in continuing and expanding the environmental initiatives initiated by the ACReSAL project, ensuring a lasting positive impact on the state’s ecological health and agricultural productivity.